Defying the Current Crisis in Teacher Retention, Alston Has Stayed in the Classroom for More Than 20 Years — and Loved Every Minute of It

New York, NY (March 20, 2008) -- In an effort to inspire teachers and to remind them why teaching can be so rewarding, Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education and media company, has released Why We Teach (March 2008), a new teacher memoir by award-winning educator Linda Alston. Why We Teach tells the story of a teacher who has continued to love her job for more than 20 years at a time when teacher retention has become a national crisis. Studies show that between 30 and 50 percent of all new teachers quit the profession within five years.

Alston, currently a kindergarten teacher at Farrell B. Howell Elementary School in Denver, Co., has been recognized for excellence in teaching with the first $100,000 KIPP/Kinder Excellence in Teaching Award, the Milken National Educator Award, the Walt Disney American Teacher Award and the Mary McLeod Bethune Legacy Award. She has taught students ages 3-15 in public, private, charter and Sunday schools.

“Every day I spend in the classroom feels like a gift,” Alston said. “Watching a child transform and grow in my classroom is a beautiful vision. I want so much for every teacher to have the same thrilling experiences that I have had throughout my career. I hope this book inspires them to do just that.”

“I hope when teachers across the country read Why We Teach they are reminded of the special power they have to transform lives,” said Terry Cooper, General Manager of Scholastic Teacher Resources. “I also hope parents read it and remember the special teachers they had growing up, or those who have had an impact on their child. Why We Teach is the perfect gift for any teacher.”

Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books and a leader in educational technology and children’s media. Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children's books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, film, videos and toys. The Company distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs and school-based book fairs, retail stores, schools, libraries, television networks and the Company’s Internet Site, www.scholastic.com.

Please visit the Scholastic Web site to find out more information about Why We Teach and other teacher resources.

Contacts:
Scholastic
Tyler Reed
212-343-6427
treed@scholastic.com